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The Documentary Podcast

In the Studio: Dan Perri

Jan 6, 2025
Dan Perri, a legendary title sequence designer known for his work on classics like Star Wars and The Exorcist, shares fascinating insights about his craft. He discusses the art of film title design and the collaboration with directors that brings iconic sequences to life. Perri reflects on personal experiences and challenges faced during projects like Nashville and Days of Heaven. He also pays tribute to Saul Bass, illustrating how mentorship shaped his career in graphic design, emphasizing how compelling titles can enhance storytelling in cinema.
39:14

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dan Perri highlights that effective title design is a two-part process involving both conceptual development and precise execution that enhances the film's narrative.
  • Collaboration with directors is crucial in title design, as demonstrated by Perri's close work with Martin Scorsese to harmonize visuals and music in films like 'Taxi Driver.'

Deep dives

The Art of Title Design

Title design is presented as a crucial art form that sets the tone for a film or television project. Dan Perry emphasizes the two-part process of developing a concept and then executing that concept through design, pointing out the significance of both elements working in harmony. He reflects on pivotal experiences that shaped his career, including his initial work with iconic films like 'The Exorcist' and how his unique approach to titles often reflects the emotional and thematic elements of the narratives. The title sequences he creates are not just reflective but are mini-experiences in their own right, demanding precise execution to capture the intended atmosphere.

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